Mazda Miata like music to my ears

When I heard that the limited edition 25th anniversary Mazda MX-5 Miata sold out in 10 minutes, I wasn’t surprised. That’s all it took for 250 Miataphiles to sign up for the 100 available special edition models. And when gearhead car sites refer to this vehicle as a “darling” – yes, their words, not mine – I knew I had to borrow one.

Of course, I didn’t kid myself for a minute. When I asked Mazda Canada to borrow one for a week, I knew I wouldn’t be getting the special edition. But I was tickled to learn I’d be getting a GS in “True Red” and “Brilliant Black” – pretty darn close.

So it was disappointing when Mazda Canada called to let me know that a consumer had requested that very model, the only one available in the area. What? Someone wanted to buy a press car? Did they know what punishment is heaped upon those hapless vehicles by ruthless auto writers? Naturally, I graciously accepted a gray and black substitute, and realized what had REALLY happened. Mazda had simply realized that if they gave me a red Miata, well, they might NOT get it back.

And so it was that I picked up a dapper grey 2014 Miata GS, poured myself into the low-slung driver’s seat, and spun away on my adventure. Now, unlike most cars out there today, the Miata GS doesn’t come with any fancy technology. There’s no Bluetooth hook-up, rear camera, navi system or LCD screen popping up. For starters, where would it go? And then – who the heck needs it?

This car is all about driving, pure and simple. You turn the engine over and a sonorous, daring trill of an exhaust note fills the air. As you rev the engine, it fills out with a ferocity, pulsating with intensity. It’s a honeyed, quivering melody that hovers on the edge, as the RPMs rise and fall. Is it any wonder I was reminded of Maria Callas in Lucia Di Lammermoor, her voice rising to an impossible high note as madness descends?

This video offers a little sound bite of exhaust note, just before two old buddies embark on a “gem” of an afternoon. (Many thanks to @MsArleneD for her invaluable videographic assistance)

Gripped by Miata delirium, my passion for driving knew no end. One steamy night, I drove 25 kilometres for an ice cream sundae. The next day, I drove to the corner to get cat food. I offered my chauffeur services to everyone I knew. One friend had never been in a convertible before, and she blissfully raised her arms to the cool night air.

Even trapped in the grimy clutch of downtown gridlock, I was ecstatic. Perhaps this, then, is the solution to the 24-7 congestion that plagues Toronto. Put everyone in a Miata. You don’t care where you are. You’re just delighted to be in the embrace of a car that responds to every whisper of a touch, sure-footed and precise, eager and ready to please, with a little bel canto echoing behind you.

All week long, I breezily shot in and out of traffic, parking spots, on and off the highway, spinning U-turns, bouncing around the city. My joy was evident, as complete strangers nodded and smiled at me, whistled and waved at street corners and stoplights.

Good fortune followed me wherever I went, as the sun shone down brightly all week. Perhaps the only flaw to having this car were some of the back-handed comments it drew. “Gorgeous car, but you know, that’s only for selfish people,” said one neighbour. “Where do you put the groceries?” asked another. “You’ll never make it through a Canadian winter in that car,” noted another friend, who shall remain nameless.

But a Miata is not about practicality, it’s about valuing the rapture in every moment of being. There are those who would want it to be faster, lighter, bigger, lower, flashier. And they do – God love ‘em, the kids that alter the camber, stance it, turbo charge it, drop in a rotary, stick a wing on the back, whatever.

A Miata will make you feel things you’ve never felt before in a car. It’s like discovering a paramour, a soul-mate, who knows your deepest, darkest secrets. And encourages you to get a little kinky around the corners.

For those who want to lead a safe, predictable little life, it may seem like an indulgence.

But for those who want to hit that high octane E-note, a Miata isn’t just a selfish whim.

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36 Comments on "Mazda Miata like music to my ears"

Gee, that review was quickly up! Couldn’t bring the hockey bag out, but is there even a hope of shoehorning it into the trunk? For that matter, is there a chance I might shoehorn myself into the driver’s seat?

What a delicious post! Such fun to find another woman who appreciates the music of exhaust notes.Your beloved Miata sounds a lot like the ’59 MGA I drove at age 18, a sweet, road-hugging, fanny on the pavement adventure every time. Will definitely watch for more tales of automobiles and the passions they invoke. (And who cares whether the car does well in winter? That’s hardly the point!)

Ooh, the 59 MGA was a gorgeous car. I almost prefer those to the MGs that came later, so much more voluptuous and curvy. You were lucky to drive around in such a sweet ride! Yes, I do love me some melodic exhaust notes. Who needs a radio? It’s so thrilling to listen to the engine rise and fall. Damn, I miss that car!

Having a car sold out in such a little time is impressive. Cars can mean so much to use. Once attached to it, you never get over your favorite car; they become a part of us. I still miss driving my jeep and having the top down.

Funny how you can develop an emotional attachment to a hunk of steel and glass, isn’t it? I guess it’s the way we interact with vehicles that does it, the response, the surge of energy moving forward. It’s always fascinated me. Driving with the top down, in the open air, really intensifies the experience!

Oh, the sound of that car always gets me high. I must admit to having a weakness for exhaust notes, and this one definitely made me think of Callas, with her distinct sound. I’ve been listening to La Divina all week now!

That’s a gorgeous piece of machinery for real. Like you I love to drive and have never thought twice about offering someone a ride even if it’s out of my way. I once drove 400 miles on a friday night just because I had nothing else happening. There is something appealing about the open road. My car at the time was a Ford Cortina GTE with rich wood dashboard and black leather everywhere. Getting in the miata would be a great treat.

I remember the Cortina! I think it was a German Ford, or maybe an English one. Yes, it’s great to get out on the open road and go where the spirit takes you. Although of course I prefer a ride like the Miata, any old beater will do. Maybe it’s that feeling of freedom, excitement and adventure – you don’t know where you’ll end up. Need to do that more often!

You are SO lucky to have the 99 Miata. That body style is a classic, some say more so than the current one, which is a little larger and more aggressive. And you’re smart to have it as a second car, and just drive the bejezus out of it. I’ll bet you tear it up on those mountain roads!

You speed devil, you! This has to be the most fun car review I’ve ever read. Almost makes me want to run out and purchase this little Miata gem (or at least take it for a fun, speedy test drive)!
Michele

Susan, you’ll fall in love with this car, but be warned, it really is impractical. Any time I had a passenger, I had to put my purse in the trunk! But, oh, it’s so thrilling to drive, that … you just don’t care. Take one out for a test drive, just for the hell of it!

Go ahead, pull into your local dealer and take a Miata out for a test drive – espesh when the weather’s good. Shopping around is good. When you’re buying a car, it’s essential. So many people buy a car because, I don’t know, their kid likes the stereo?! Sheesh. Work your way down that list of possibles until you find the car that’s right for you!

Just like your last post – I loved this! My dad bought his first Miata in ’91 – he let them figure things out for a year before getting one. Fast forward to years later when I learn he’s going to sell it…I said I’ll take it! So the sweet little silver beauty became mine and I relished the way I felt when driving it! I wish I could get it out here to California as it would be a great ride for out here, but it’s back in my dad’s garage waiting for someone to love on it! Great cars!

Let me tell you, if I was in California with a 91 Miata, I’d never ever get out of it. I’d find a way of living in it. Good on your dad for scooping up a 91 Miata, those are practically collector’s items. Smart on you for jumping on the chance to buy it. Hope it finds its way to you soon!

Isn’t it interesting how everyone likes the sounds of the motor when you put the foot on the gas to rive up the motor. I must say you looked very snazzy in the blue dress next to the gray car. My husband is adding kit for his car to make more noise when you rive up the motor.

Thanks for the lovely compliment, Arleen! Yes, I’ve always loved the sound of a well tuned engine. And the Miata has the loveliest exhaust note. It’s such a science. You can get systems that will enhance, even completely change it. I’ll bet you’ll be revving up a storm when your hubbie tricks out his car : ))

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Krystyna Lagowski drives like a girl

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